Why slopes create gaps
Fence panels are straight and flat, but a sloping garden is not. When a panel is set on a slope, one end sits higher off the ground and leaves a triangle of open space beneath it. That space is big enough for a puppy or a small child. In Cradley Heath, with its varied house ages and sloping plots, this is one of the most common problems we see on pet gardens.
The usual answer is to step the panels, so each one sits level but at a different height, and then fill the gap beneath each with gravel boards cut to suit. On a gentle slope you may get away with one board and a little soil. On a steeper one, boards may need to be taller or the ground may need to be built up with care.
Filling and checking the bottom edge
Once the boards are in place, check them along the full length. A gravel board should touch the ground with no daylight beneath it, and it should be fixed to the posts with no wobble. Where the ground drops away, the board may need to be longer or an extra one added to keep the base closed.
A dog that likes to dig will go for the weakest spot, so look for scrapes or soft patches near the fence. If you find one, fill it and press it down firmly. Laying a few paving slabs or heavy stones tight against the board can deter a keen digger. This is a tidy fix on a sloping plot, where soil tends to wash away after rain.
Height and gates for jumpers
Some dogs will try to jump or scramble over a low panel, especially if the ground rises on the neighbour's side. A taller panel or a trellis top on the fence can help, though you should check height limits with your local council before changing a boundary. A fence that is firm and has nothing to climb on is often enough.
On a slope, gates tend to drag or leave a gap on the low side. A gate that is not level will swing open or leave space at the bottom. Fit it so it closes by itself with a latch out of a child's reach, and check it often, since sloping ground can shift the posts over time.
Quick tips
- Look for daylight under every panel, especially at the low end where a slope leaves the biggest gap.
- Press down on gravel boards to check they are fixed and not floating above the soil.
- Place heavy stones or slabs against the base of the fence where a dog has begun to dig.
- Check that sloping gates swing shut on their own and that the latch sits well above a child's reach.
If your garden in Cradley Heath, in the B64 area, needs a fence that keeps children and dogs in, call us or send a photo showing the fence and its location. We also work in Old Hill and Netherton, and there is no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop gaps opening under panels on a slope?
Fence panels are flat, so on sloping ground a triangle of open space appears at the low end. The usual answer is to step the panels and fill each gap with gravel boards cut to suit. Cradley Heath plots often slope, so check every panel for daylight.
My dog keeps digging by the fence. What helps?
Fill the hollow, press the soil down firmly and place heavy stones or paving slabs tight against the board. A digger heads for the weakest spot, so look for scrapes and soft patches. On sloping Cradley Heath plots, rain can wash soil away again.
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